What Are the Benefits of Using Google My Business?

Google My Business (GMB) provides a platform on which businesses can raise their profile, allowing Google searchers to find them in local searches. Businesses that actively manage their GMB accounts substantially raise their revenues. A business cannot thrive unless it becomes well known, and GMB makes that happen in your target market.

Ride the Wave of the Future

GMB is arguably the future of marketing. As a billion-dollar behemoth of the internet, Google consistently expands its data collection and innovative online features. What it has developed so far may be just the beginning of the technological tools that increase sales and promote brands. Businesses of all types and sizes are taking advantage of what GMB has to offer. They are reaping the rewards in the increased online presence of their brands. Those who ignore GMB risk being left behind by the competition.

Enhanced SEO

GMB provides a powerful SEO boost. To get the most out of this benefit, it is important to optimize your GMB account. Though contact details are important, they are not enough to optimize a GMB account.
The following are the most important factors needed to get the best Google My Business SEO results:
• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Website link
• Business category
• Operating hours
• Logo
• Service area details
• Cover photo
• Other images

Google My Business Communicates a Positive First Impression of Your Business

A GMB page portrays your business as tech savvy and up to date. Potential customers see photos and videos explaining your product or showcasing your store. It also allows your customers to call or connect with your company and place purchases. Some of best images to include on a GMB page include the following:
• Inside your store or facility
• Employee photos
• The surrounding area
• Image of the CEO or Managing Director
• Awards and events images
• Customer testimonials

By uploading 5-10 photos and videos, you create images that match a face to your brand.

Improve Your Online Visibility

As the world’s largest search engine, Google processes over 63,000 searches per second. About 90% of shoppers start surfing the net without having made up their minds about what brand to purchase. This spells opportunity for GMB users. Because GMB gains them visibility, they can compete for that 90% of shoppers who are still choosing where to do business.
GMB listings have priority on the first page of local Google searches and Google Maps queries. For example, if a web surfer plugs in “Italian restaurants in Detroit,” they will see a GMB listing before the ranking websites.

Hosting for Customer Reviews

Online reviews influence new customers to try your product or service, so using GMB as a host for happy customers to share their experiences helps new business development.
Reviews have become so important that 72% of Google shoppers will not try a new company unless there are positive customer reviews.
However, reviews can be a double-edged sword. Disgruntled customers may leave scathing reviews, even if your business is not at fault for their problems, and 86% of shoppers hesitate to make a purchase after reading a negative review. To combat this problem, GMB allows businesses to respond to reviews. Responding to both positive- and negative reviews is a proven revenue booster. Businesses that respond to at least 25% of reviews book 35% more revenue.

Gain Customer Insight

In the age of big data, it is possible to gain insight into customer behavior like never before. The insight gained from GMB helps improve your business.
Google’s GMB shows how customers find listings on Search and Maps, in addition to their activity afterwards. Using GMB’s data, you can discover the following:
• The number of views for your listing
• Where and how searchers found your listing
• What actions searchers took after finding your listing
• How searchers interacted with your listing

A Google My Business Profile is Free

Obtaining marketing data, gaining visibility, and improving SEO usually requires an investment. However, you can have all these benefits for free by using GMB. Why not take advantage of a free resource to promote your business?  GMB is easy to manage and gets results. By using GMB, your business gains top status in local searches, which brings business in the door. With a little effort, you can raise your business’s profile and develop new business as a result. Google has some great videos in helping your grow your business here.  Get your free Google My Business profile here.

About us – Web Fox Marketing is a website agency in Livonia, Michigan SEO and digital marketing professionals. We serve our surrounding community near Livonia, Novi, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Royal Oak and beyond. In addition to offering digital marketing services, we are proficient in search engine advantages , Google Ads marketing (pay-per-click), SEO solutions, social media prominence, and more!

Your web site is a critical step, as on-line success in our connected world is dependent on search ranking & increased exposure to many marketing outlets. Our Michigan lead generation firm is more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have. Contact us today and let’s get started creating your responsive website!

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